On 26 Aug 2024, the Daily Maverick & News24 published a report insinuating that during my time as Mayor of Polokwane, I acted improperly. I thank the Committee for the chance to address these claims and put the matter to rest.

"It's a matter of public record that Polokwane Local Municipality invested in VBS during my tenure as mayor. What isn't amplified is that I, as mayor, instituted the withdrawal of all Polokwane Municipality investments from VBS."

"It is important to note that the withdrawal of Municipal money from VBS took place two months before the investments could mature. All this happened way before the National Treasury ordered all municipalities to withdraw their investments from VBS."

"On the question of whether I had an improper relationship with a contractor appointed by the Municipality? The answer is NO, I did not have an improper relationship with a contractor appointed by the Municipality."

"Gundo Wealth Solutions was appointed to provide services to the Municipality through a procurement process which was undertaken by the Municipal Manager. I was not in any manner involved in the processes which resulted in the appointment of Gundo Wealth Solutions."

"Did I receive any improper benefits from a relationship with a contractor appointed by the Municipality during my tenure as Mayor? The answer is NO, I did not receive any improper benefits from any contractor as insinuated in the media."

"In considering a loan, as advised by Gundo Wealth Solutions, I had this information: • Gundo Wealth was not a paid service provider of the Municipality, only a financial advisor. • Thus, there was no conflict of interest in securing a loan from them."

Welkom Magistrate's Court officials supports #CasualDay initiative. As a way of donating towards this initiative, DOJ&CD employees supports by buying Casual day merchandise from their own pockets. #IseeYou

"The Limpopo Treasury investigated municipalities that invested in VBS. Polokwane didn't incur losses as I ordered proactive withdrawal. Despite this, I faced censure by the council. As part of remedial action, I completed a 2-year MFMA course at the University of Pretoria"

"I would like to really affirm that I did not have any improper relationship with an entity appointed by the Municipality during my tenure as Mayor, I did not receive any improper benefits from Gundo Wealth Solutions."

DOJ&CD National Office officials supports #CasualDay initiative. As a way of donating towards this initiative, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development employees supports by buying Casual day merchandise from their own pockets.#ISeeYou

"Much has been said about a conflict of interest due to the position I now hold. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development plays no role in the NPA’s decisions to prosecute or to discontinue prosecutions."

"Regarding the loan I took, allegations of a conflict of interest, both then and now, cannot be sustained when considering the true and correct facts."

When the President assigned me to this department, conflict of interest crossed my mind. But it was not about this issue but about my family's quest for justice for my sister Nokuthula. However, I chose to prioritise the country and its people, just as she would have wanted.

[IN PICTURES] Minister Thembi Simelane appearance before the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development - Good Hope Chamber, Parliament, 06 September 2024.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Republic of South Africa MEDIA STATEMENT 6 September 2024 MINISTER SIMELANE REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ON VBS MATTER

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Learners from Brakpan High and Fundulwazi Secondary present their arguments during the Provincial round of the #SchoolsMootCourt2024, currently underway at the Johannesburg High Court 📍⚖️

These learners from Kgokare Secondary & Afrikaanse Hoër Senskool are arguing it out at the Provincial round being held today at the Johannesburg High Court, with the hope of going all the way to the finals of the #SchoolsMootCourt2024 🏆🥇

"This experience was exciting even though I was nervous, I learned a lot about standing my ground" says Oratile Kolokoto (right). Hlompho Mokoena (left) says he's also enjoying taking part in the #SchoolsMootCourt2024. Both learners are representing Tsolo Secondary School.